Centenary College's Spring Commencement Keynote Speaker, Meteorologist Bill Evans, to Conduct Two Book Signings on July 12, 2012

Hackettstown, N.J. – Centenary College’s Spring Commencement Keynote Speaker and Senior Meteorologist for Channel 7 Eyewitness News, Bill Evans, will conduct two book signings of his titles on July 12, 2012, at the Edith M. Bolte Kutz ’42 Theater at the David and Carol Lackland Center (address: 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown). 

At 3 p.m., he will conduct a book reading and signing for It’s Raining Fish and Spiders, an informational book that explores the wonderful world of weather.  Perfect for the 2nd to 5th grade range, this collection of facts, stories, experiments and explanations is a great teaching tool for children to learn about meteorology. 

Evans addresses weather myths and facts, from “Can it really rain fish?” to “Will opening a window save my house during a tornado?”  The book also includes simple and fun weather experiments that can be performed at home without expensive equipment.  His talk will also include the process of writing the book.

At 7 p.m., he will discuss his latest high-octane thriller, Blackmail Earth.  More and more, scientists and media are buzzing about solar storms and the shifting of magnetic north, just two of the current weather phenomena which threaten to change life on Earth as we know it.  Beyond global warming, there is even more changing on our planet and in the atmosphere every day.  In addition, technological advances in weather manipulation may allow businesses to further harm the Earth’s fragile ecology for economic gain.  The lack of popular concern for such scientific findings is what lead Evans to write Blackmail Earth.  Refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m.

As a senior on-air weather personality, Evans has written and produced numerous documentaries on hurricanes, severe weather and environmental impact.  In the course of his research, he has flown in “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft during major storms.  He was presented with the annual Outstanding Meteorologist Award by the National Weather Service for his research and reporting efforts. 

All of the books that he has authored have themes related to the environment. Evans’ debut novel with co-author Marianna Jameson, Category 7, was published in 2007 and became a New York Times bestseller.  His other works include Frozen Fire, Dry Ice and It’s Raining Fish & Spiders.  Blackmail Earth, is set for release next week.

Evans has won 12 Emmy Awards for his entertaining and informative weather reporting.  In addition to his television broadcasting duties, he does the weather for RadioDisney, ESPN Radio, WGCH-AM, WPLJ-FM and appears on ABC radio in major markets throughout the United States. He also occasionally fills in on Good Morning America.

“I am so pleased to be working with Centenary College again in this capacity,” says Evans.  “I conducted a book reading and signing of Dry Ice in the spring and I hope a lot of the people who showed interest in that project will also join me again on July 12th.”

To R.S.V.P. for either event, please call (908) 852-1400, ext. 2238 or e-mail laleveea@centenarycollege.edu.  Books will be available for purchase for both events.

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary
College is an independent, coeducational liberal arts and career studies college
distinguished by an accomplished faculty, small class size and diverse student body.  Centenary is the only baccalaureate and master’s degree granting institution in northwest
New Jersey.

Centenary College’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County).  The Centenary College School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in three locations: Hackettstown, Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.  The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.

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